Mercedes F1’s technical director, James Allison, has spoken out in defense of rookie driver Kimi Antonelli following a series of disappointing performances during the 2025 Formula 1 season. Allison emphasized that the team‘s ongoing challenges with car competitiveness have significantly affected Antonelli’s ability to deliver strong results in recent races.
Since achieving his first podium at the Canadian Grand Prix, Antonelli has managed only one points finish in the last seven events, with four of those races ending in retirements. The 18-year-old’s struggles became even more apparent at the Belgian Grand Prix, where his qualifying performance drew criticism. He left the media visibly emotional after the session, highlighting the pressure faced by the young driver.
Allison Highlights Team’s Setbacks as a Factor in Antonelli’s Struggles
James Allison openly acknowledged that Mercedes has made incorrect decisions regarding their car’s development, contributing to the recent dip in competitiveness and impacting both Antonelli and teammate George Russell. Speaking after the Belgian GP, Allison said,
“I think he’s, like the rest of us, massively fed up with a string of results that are well below what we were collectively achieving earlier in the year,” Allison said after the Belgian GP [via ESPN].
“I hope he takes some solace from the fact that we tell him, and it’s demonstrably a fact, that we have taken the wrong steps with the car, making our team less competitive, and that he is paying the price for that, as is George [Russell],” he added.
Antonelli initially impressed in his rookie season by finishing in the top six positions in five of his first six races, effectively supporting the team’s lead driver George Russell. However, his momentum faltered following a Did Not Finish (DNF) at his home race in Imola, after which his difficulties intensified across the European segment of the schedule.
Optimism for Improvement Hinges on Mercedes Car Developments
Despite the current setbacks, Allison remains hopeful that Antonelli’s fortunes will improve once Mercedes successfully remedies the car’s issues. He also stated that Antonelli is working hard to enhance his own performance amid the challenges.
“If the car isn’t where it needs to be, then it will be a struggle getting through the qualifying stages in your rookie season in F1. It’s utterly clear that what we need is to make the car better, and Kimi’s fortunes will change with it,” said Allison.
“Hopefully, he’s listening to us as we say those reassuring words because we absolutely know that he is putting in the effort on his side of that bargain,” he added.
Allison highlighted the intense challenge rookies face when competing in less competitive machinery, especially during qualifying sessions. The technical director believes that improvements to the car will enable Antonelli to unlock his potential more consistently as the season progresses.
Future Prospects for Antonelli’s Career at Mercedes
Kimi Antonelli is currently contracted with Mercedes on a one-year deal for the 2025 season, a decision made by team principal Toto Wolff. Amid reports suggesting Max Verstappen will remain with Red Bull Racing for at least another year, Antonelli’s chances of securing a contract extension with the Silver Arrows appear to be improving. More information regarding his future at Mercedes is expected following the upcoming summer break.